Har Ki Dun Trek: Reasons for Skipping Ruinsara Tal

The Har Ki Dun Trek is a stunning journey through the Garhwal Himalayas, where you will trek through lush green meadows, dense forests, and quaint mountain villages. The trek is named after the Har Ki Dun Valley, which is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the Himalayas. The trek takes you to an  altitude of 12,000 feet and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Swargarohini and Bandarpunch ranges. This hidden gem of the Himalayas is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in the mountains.

In case of many other trekking companies you  must have seen Ruinsara Tal added to the itinerary and this might make you question why we chose to omit Ruinsara Tal from our itinerary even though it is so close to the Har Ki Dun Valley. Let us take a look at why.

The Beautiful Journey To Har Ki Dun

The trek starts in the quaint village of Sankri, where you will get a glimpse of the local culture and lifestyle. From there, you will hike through dense forests, crossing streams and rivers, and climb steep paths that lead to higher elevations. The trek takes you through the Govind National Park, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. You will encounter towering trees, wildflowers, and rare species of animals like the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and the elusive snow leopard.

As you trek further, you will come across charming mountain villages like Taluka and Osla, where you can interact with the friendly locals and learn about their unique way of life. You will see their traditional architecture, including wooden houses and temples that have stood the test of time.

The highlight of the Har Ki Dun Trek is the Har Ki Dun Valley itself - a stunning meadow surrounded by snow-capped peaks that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The valley is home to the local communities who have lived in the region for centuries. You will get the opportunity to witness their traditional way of life and interact with them. The locals are known for their warm hospitality and will be more than happy to share their stories and experiences with you.

So Why is Ruinsara Tal Not A Part Of Our Har Ki Dun Trek?

The Difficulty Increases

Incorporating Ruinsara Lake into the trek itinerary would lead to a significant shift in the trail difficulty from moderate to challenging. The terrain becomes extremely steep, filled with huge boulders, and involves some degree of risk. The trek duration also increases from 7 days to 9 days, covering a distance of 65 km. The longest hike of 14 km in a day is required to reach the lake and return to the next campsite. Although the ascent to the lake takes only 2-3 hours, the descent back to the campsite is longer and takes an average person around 6-7 hours to complete due to the rocky terrain.

Extending the duration of the trek to nine days with daily seven-hour walks and camping at high altitudes raises the difficulty level to that of renowned challenging treks like Goechala and Pin Parvati. This may prove to be overwhelming for beginners, families with kids, and those without extensive trekking experience, as it could hinder their ability to appreciate and enjoy the trek. The average fitness level of a person may not be suitable for such a demanding trek. On the other hand, Har Ki Doon is a moderate trek, suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers. Therefore, incorporating Ruinsara Tal into the itinerary could potentially detract from the charm of exploring the beautiful Har Ki Doon valley for beginners and moderately fit trekkers.

Way Too Much Exhaustion

After crossing Har ki Doon, the challenging trek to Ruinsara Tal awaits, perched high at an elevation of 11,700 ft with the lake itself towering at 11,811 ft. This means 3 days of hiking at a high altitude, which can rapidly exhaust your body. To add to the challenge, the trek to the lake covers a daunting 14km distance. Even for moderately fit trekkers, this can be an excessive drain on your energy reserves. Many trekkers have been witnessed to struggle and some have even given up altogether. If you are less experienced or averagely fit, it may be wise to skip this trek and save your strength.

When You Are Exhausted You Cannot Enjoy As Much

While Ruinsara Tal may seem like a tempting addition to the trek, it's simply not worth the hike. Firstly, unlike most lake treks, camping near the lake is not possible, limiting the amount of time you can spend there. Moreover, the lake itself isn't breathtakingly beautiful, with only 30 to 60 minutes of sightseeing making up for the 14 km trek. Even if it were possible to stay and admire the tranquil waters at sunrise, sunset, or night, the experience wouldn't be worth the effort. Adding Ruinsara Tal would likely result in a mixed experience, with moments of awe followed by frustration and exhaustion. In short, it's a "Wow! Here it is moment", followed by an "Oh no, here we go" situation, which isn't worth the trouble.

Keeping all these factors in mind we chose not to include Ruinsara Tal in our itinerary. When we curate an adventure we want to give you the best out of the experience, and we believe adding Ruinsara Tal to Har Ki Dun may not make for the greatest experience.

Har Ki Dun Trek is a magical journey through the pristine landscapes of the Himalayas. Whether it is combined with Ruinsara Tal or not, it offers an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, culture, and nature. This trek will leave you in awe of the stunning scenery and cultural richness of the region. At Trek The Himalayas, we take pride in providing our guests with an unforgettable experience that is safe, sustainable, and authentic. 

Join us on this adventure to Har Ki Dun this summer and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Happy Trekking!!!